Today, we remember Madam Cecelia Johnson, fondly known as Auntie Ceci to many, whose long life of service to Ghana is worthy of honour. From her beginnings in Awua-Domase in the Bono Region, she rose through commitment and character to become one of Ghana’smost distinguished women in public life. Her public life was devoted to the advancement of her country and, above all, to the empowerment of women. In the early 1970s, Cecilia began her public service journey at the Ministry of Trade, Industries, and Tourism, where she served with distinction as a Commercial Officer and later as a Principal Commercial Officer. She was later appointed Special Assistant to Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, a role that marked the beginning of her transformative work with the 31st December Women’s Movement, where she would go on to serve as General Secretary. As General Secretary of the 31st December Women’s Movement, she helped to transform the role of women in national development, creating opportunities for empowerment and leadership at a time when few dared to do so. Her service extended through many phases of Ghana’s democratic journey. She became the first Women’s Organizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) when the party was formed in 1992, at the dawn of Ghana’s Fourth Republic. She served as the Deputy Minister of Local Government and was later elevated to the substantive Minister of Local Government and Rural Development under the late President Rawlings. Her earlier foundation in public service and grassroot mobilization found expression in her leadership in this Ministry. From RT. Hon. E.K.D. Adjaho, The Chairman of The 9th Council of State. On behalf of the 9th Council of State of the Republic of Ghana “For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.” —Romans 14:8, NKJV T R I B U T E 1 1946 MRS. CECILIA JOHNSON 2025 25 A Loving Farewell
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